Hiking in the moonlight

August may not be the best month for hiking, with its scorching temperatures and high levels of humidity, yet hiking at night, under the full moon, is certainly an activity to remember. Two such events are coming up on August 21 and 22 in Akamas and Stavrovouni respectively, calling adventurous souls to attend.

The Cyprus Nature Hikes team is saying goodbye to the summer and celebrating the new hiking season by hiking the most famous Akamas nature trail in the moonlight. A beach party will follow the hike, with refreshing beers, good music and swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Baths of Aphrodite bay.

The hike will begin at 9pm from the Baths of Aphrodite taking the Aphrodite Nature Trail passing through the black pine and Phoenician juniper forest and upwards to the medieval monastery remains of Pyrgos tis Rigainas and the 860-year-old giant oak tree, which according to the tradition was the resting place of goddess Aphrodite on her way from baths.

There, participants will have a short break, enjoy a snack and relax under the bright moonlight. The moon hike will continue with a short uphill trek to enjoy the panoramic night view from Moutti tis Sotiras at 370m above sea level before descending along a beautiful sea-view trail to reach the road to Fontana Amoroza, which will lead hikers to the Baths of Aphrodite, where according to the legend, the goddess of beauty used to bathe. The party will follow at the bay below.

The hike will last around four and a half hours with a moderate level of difficulty but the views and hour will certainly make it a unique experience. The registration form and €15 payment details can be found on the Facebook event page (August Moon Hike & Beach Party).

On the official full moon of August, on Sunday 22, Active Zone Outdoors is organising another full moon hike in the Stavrovouni area. Participants will meet at the Stavrovouni helipad area at 7.30pm to begin the adventure. This hike is free to attend, but organisers expect hikers who join to be in good physical condition. The event won’t be just hiking though, a reflection time under the full moon is in the evening’s agenda so participants are encouraged to bring something to sit on – a pillow or a camping chair – and stare at the night sky.

“There is something very magical about hiking at night,” says Active Zone Outdoors, “using the moon as a light source. On a night hike, senses will be heightened and we will be able to experience the natural environment in an extraordinary way.” Sign up through the Facebook event form and get ready for a night hike under the bright August moon.

August Moon Hike and Beach Party

Evening hike with Cyprus Nature Hikes. August 21. Meeting point: Baths of Aphrodite, Paphos. 9pm-3am. €15. [email protected]

Hiking at Stavrovouni Under the Full Moon

Full moon hike with Active Zone Outdoors. August 22. Meeting point: Stavrovouni helipad area, Nicosia. 7.30pm-11pm. Free. Tel: 99-819087